
The Futur with Chris Do
The Futur Podcast is a show that explores the interesting overlap between design, marketing, and business. Our host (and CEO of The Futur), Chris Do, hold candid conversations with inspirational people from the worlds of design, technology, marketing, business, philosophy and personal development. These conversations go deep. With the aim of understanding who these incredible people are, what drives them to do what they do, and what can we--the listener--learn from it all. Visit thefutur.com/podcast for show notes and additional information from each episode.
Latest episodes

Aug 4, 2021 • 1h 7min
145 - Why the world need creative thinkers — with Chris Do
Dive into the significance of specific goal-setting for creatives and discover how creativity extends beyond traditional boundaries. Explore the transformative power of openness and feedback, and why embracing individuality is crucial for growth. Uncover the challenges faced by introverted creatives in self-marketing and the importance of a service-first approach. Learn about the AIDA framework and its role in modern marketing. Finally, understand the impact of storytelling in connecting with audiences and fostering genuine engagement.

Jul 28, 2021 • 56min
144 - How to make yourself indispensable — with Kirsty Minns
Kirsty Minns, Executive Creative Director at Mother Design in London, shares her fascinating career journey in branding. She emphasizes the importance of personal growth and the value of not comparing oneself to others. Kirsty discusses her shift from problem-solving to actively seeking creative challenges and how curiosity drives her work. She advocates for adaptability and continuous learning as keys to professional development. With a focus on individuality and resilience, Kirsty inspires listeners to embrace their unique paths and cultivate their skills.

Jul 21, 2021 • 1h 5min
143 - Make enemies, gain friends — with Freddie Ost
Freddie Ost, founder of SNASK, a creative agency known for its bold approach to design, shares his unique journey of personal growth and identity shaped by adoption. He discusses the impact of emotional vulnerability and authenticity in creative work, alongside his transition from psychology to entrepreneurship. The conversation also explores the balance between passion and financial stability, the challenges of navigating bureaucracy in the workplace, and the importance of generosity in sharing ideas. Expect laughter, tears, and inspiring insights!

8 snips
Jul 14, 2021 • 1h 6min
142 - Copywriting and Cold Emails — with Cole Schafer
Join Cole Schafer, a creative writer and founder of Honey Copy, as he dives into the craft of copywriting with humor and insight. Discover how he left a stable agency job for the unpredictability of manual labor, which sparked his passion for writing. Cole shares his unique blend of poetry under the alias January Black and discusses the art of storytelling in marketing. Learn how to write compelling cold emails and the significance of authenticity, all while embracing creativity's spontaneity!

Jul 7, 2021 • 1h 23min
141 - Everything is a Remix — with Kirby Ferguson
Kirby Ferguson, a filmmaker and the mind behind the documentary series "Everything is a Remix," delves into the nature of creativity and originality. He argues that humans naturally copy and remix ideas, a process crucial for innovation. The conversation explores how borrowing can spark new creations and the often hypocritical disdain for imitation. Kirby shares insights on the emotional impact of creative works, the art of balancing passion and business, and encourages aspiring artists to embrace their fears and experiment freely.

6 snips
Jun 30, 2021 • 58min
140 - What is Human-Centered Design? — with Lauren Schwendimann
Lauren Schwendimann, interaction design lead at Waymo, shares her insights on human-centered design in the realm of autonomous vehicles. She discusses the critical need for user trust and transparency in driverless technology, highlighting its social implications. Schwendimann also reflects on her journey from athlete to designer, emphasizing mentorship's role in shaping careers. The conversation delves into designing for humanity and the skills essential for successful UX design, advocating for technology that empowers and enhances user experience.

Jun 23, 2021 • 1h 10min
139 - How to start your own design agency — with Dan Mall
In this engaging conversation, Dan Mall, founder of Superfriendly and expert on design agency strategies, reveals the unique structure of his globally distributed design team. He discusses the ethics of various pricing models and invites listeners to ponder the moral implications of value-based versus hourly billing. Dan shares insights from his career journey, reflecting on youthful arrogance and the importance of self-awareness in creative practice. The episode offers valuable perspectives on pricing strategies that resonate with freelancers and agency owners alike.

13 snips
Jun 16, 2021 • 1h 27min
138 - What is a brand? — with Dr. Christine Looser
In this insightful discussion, Dr. Christine Looser, a branding expert and head of business at the Minerva Project, teams up with Chris to explore the complexities of branding. They dissect the interplay between human evolution and perception in brand identity. Listeners will be intrigued by their take on the elusive nature of brand control, the role of emotional connections, and how cultural nuances shape brand relationships. With engaging examples from companies like Apple and Nike, they emphasize that authentic branding is more about perceptions than just narratives.

Jun 9, 2021 • 1h 18min
137 - When to fire your clients — with Ben Burns
Ben Burns, CFO of The Futur and a self-taught designer, shares his remarkable journey from military and police service to the creative industry. He candidly reveals why he chose to fire all his clients, emphasizing the need for boundaries. The conversation touches on the significance of meaningful professional relationships and the struggles of balancing work-life dynamics. Ben also reflects on the influence of his childhood experiences and the transformation of his career, highlighting personal growth and the power of making bold choices.

Jun 2, 2021 • 1h 44min
136 - What to do when you’re stuck in your career — with Andrea Stern
Andrea Stern, a photography representative with over two decades of experience, dives into the challenges photographers face in today’s competitive landscape. She discusses strategies for overcoming career stagnation and the impact of social media on professional success. The conversation emphasizes the importance of adapting to market changes and embracing creative evolution, such as incorporating multimedia skills. Listeners gain insights on personal branding, authentic connections, and maintaining artistic integrity in their careers.
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